GLASGOW legend James Grieves is expecting "punch-ups and powerhouse performances" in the biggest Scottish Fast Old Firm derby in more than 20 years.

The former Tigers No.1 and ex-Edinburgh ace is convinced this weekend's League Cup Final is more than just about one trophy.

Grieves, now pit mentor to current Glasgow star Nick Morris, believes Tigers have nothing to lose while Monarchs are defending their proud recent success story.

James Grieves

Never one to shirk fisticuffs, Grieves also reckons it will get heated. He told me: "This is the most hotly-contested derby for over two decades, it's destined to get feisty at some stage.

"There's a lot riding on it for Edinburgh. They are the league champions, defending League Cup winners and they are the team to beat. I generally think Edinburgh are expecting to win it and why shouldn't they?

"They won everything last year impressively, topped the Premier League this year and are the form team.

"I also think they know Glasgow are a threat again and will want to lay down a marker that they are still the top team in Scotland."

In contrast Grieves is convinced the Allied Vehicles Tigers are firm underdogs and have the crucial deciding second leg at Ashfield on Sunday.

He said: "I genuinely believe Glasgow can go into the final relaxed. When I rode in the last cup final against Edinburgh in 1994 we had just won the league and all the pressure was on Glasgow.

"I know we found that quite difficult at the time but we had a winning mentality and that's why Edinburgh are the favourites this year.

"But anything for Glasgow is a bonus. They have had an excellent first year under new management, reaching the cup final and play-offs. You can't expect anymore than that so soon.

"It's going to be a cracking couple of meetings. I also think there will be a few powerhouse performances from the top boys but there's a hero in waiting for either side."

He was given a major confidence boost yesterday when he was handed a wild-card slot in next month's Australian Grand Prix.

But before then he must play a huge role in Edinburgh defending their League Cup and dominance of Scottish speedway. He said: "I'm stoked to be in the Grand Prix but I've got to focus on the end of the UK season first.

"It's definitely the biggest Scottish derby I've ridden in.

"I will treat them like any other meetings but I know how much it means to the fans, so there's an extra edge, that's for sure. It's definitely going to be a big weekend and brilliant for Scottish speedway."

Masters then faces the biggest meeting of his career when lining up in Melbourne for the Oz GP on October 24.

He added: "It's a massive step up for me to be in the Grand Prix.

"I think it was mainly down to me finishing second in the Australian Championship - and my form has been decent this season in the UK."